Molly Rand
33 | Education & Events Manager, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Residence: Franklin
Career highlight: I am most proud of trusting the process and building a purpose-driven career, which is a privilege I do not take for granted! Uncertain of how or where to start my career after college, I followed my passion for community service and enrolled in the 10-month AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps program. This brought me to California, Oregon, and Michigan and opened my eyes to people from completely different walks of life, as well as career paths I had never considered, including volunteer coordination. After a rewarding few years working as a volunteer coordinator at nonprofits in Colorado, often leading corporate groups, I was introduced to the concept of corporate social responsibility and the power businesses have to make a difference. That led me to earn my certificate in CSR from the University of Colorado. When I moved to Vermont, I was thrilled to begin working as the Education & Events Manager for Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, where I get to leverage the power of business to make a positive impact every day! I didn’t know exactly where I was going, but I knew what I cared about, and I’m incredibly grateful for where I am today.
Career highlight: I serve on the board of Vermont Parks Forever, the nonprofit foundation for Vermont’s state parks, supporting fundraising, marketing, events, and efforts to improve access to and equity in the outdoors. I also serve on the St. Albans City Design Advisory Board, which reviews the design and aesthetics of proposed development in the city’s Design Review Districts. Through VBSR, I founded the annual VBSR Volunteer Day, bringing together 60+ volunteers each year to support 6+ Vermont nonprofits through hands-on service. I am also the captain of my summer volleyball team!
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I am originally from Connecticut and grew up snowboarding in Vermont. While living out in Colorado I met my incredible husband, Ian, who happens to be from Vermont. Slowly but surely, we found our way back to put down roots in New England. The strong sense of community, work-life balance, and access to nature made me quickly fall in love with Vermont! After living here for five years, I never want to live anywhere else!
Favorite part of your job: I love that I am always learning! Whether I’m handling the logistics for a webinar on Artificial Intelligence, traveling to a new part of the state for an event, or building a program that supports climate resilience for small businesses, I am constantly learning new things, meeting new people, and visiting new places. It never gets boring!
Best career advice: In my career, I often think of my favorite quote, which puts everything into perspective as a growth opportunity. “The more you do, the more you can do.” – William Hazlitt
What three words best describe you: Authenticity. Curiosity. Levity.
Favorite downtime activity: I love any type of outdoor exercise, but my favorite is trail running with my dog Franny and being our own little wolf pack of two. I also love any excuse to bring together friends and family!
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Figure out what you’re good at, something new that you want to learn, and what you have the capacity to offer. Then do your research and find where you can support existing efforts, if possible. Finally, be consistent and reliable. It’s okay to start small, just don’t sign up for something you can’t commit to.